Also Announces Advanced Training Program

Symphony Aircraft Industries has added three more flight schools to the growing list of training customers flying Symphony's SA160 two-place airplane.

Skyline Aeronautics of St. Louis, MO, Palo Alto College in San Antonio, TX and Jacksonville, FL-based Magic Flight Training have agreed to fly SA 160s as part of their respective training programs. For Skyline, the decision came down to the Symphony's Avidyne Entegra glass-panel display.

"Symphony is the perfect aircraft filling a niche in the general aviation (GA) market for TAA (Technologically Advanced Aircraft) glass training on a more cost effective platform," said Skyline Aeronautics owner Michael Gaffney. "This allows us to reach down to the new aircraft purchase and pilot training candidates without having to spend the quarter million dollars on the current fleet of TAA training aircraft that are now available."

Skyline Aeronautics was also chosen by the company to be the exclusive training provider and developed for its Part 141 FITS Glass Cockpit transition course, for new owners who choose the Avidyne glass panel option. Symphony told ANN the school's focus on high-technology aircraft was crucial in the decision.

The training program will include a two-day course split between classroom and flight time, and completion of the course and checkride can even lead to insurance discounts and safety rewards, according to the company.

While the advanced level of technology available on the Symphony 160 was a strong factor in all the flight schools' decisions to go with Symphony, it wasn't the only factor.

"The SA 160 is so fun to fly," said Magic Flight Training Chief Pilot Peter Crooks. "Our students progress much faster in this aircraft than in old-style 4 Place aircraft."

FMI: www.symphonyaircraft.com